I question how truly independent the individual companies are from the corporate umbrella of Carnival. After reading all kinds of wonderful things about Holland America, we sailed the Statendam in January and it was the worst cruise of six we have been on. The dining room staff had been cut by 30% so service was virtually non-existent. The ship was really showing its wear. A couple we met on the cruise had black, oily liquid dumped on their heads while on the promenade deck from one of the lifeboats. The staff acted like - what, you expect us to do something about this!

I personally think the corporate philosophy ultimately flows down into the individual companies. Bring on RCL.